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Interview with M.M. Brownlow

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?

I've always lived in what I consider to be small towns. As I got older, I moved into more and more rural areas, and now I'm fortunate enough to live near open fields and lovely wood lots. This has influenced my writing in a few ways. One, I love how peaceful it is, and I spend a lot of time thinking when I'm working in the garden. Being so close to nature has also made it easier for me to pull descriptions from real life, whether it's the weather, the landscape, or animal behaviour.

When did you first start writing?

I started writing as a teen, mostly short stories. It wasn't until I was all grown up (at least according to my age), that I decided to try my hand at something a little longer. At this point, I've been writing novels for about six years.

What's the story behind your latest book?

The latest book, Deception & Betrayal, will come out in December 2014. It is based on songs, actually. There are so many times when I've been driving to work or home, and the lyrics of a song have grabbed my attention and I think "that would make a great story!" So I've put together an anthology of short stories and novella based on song lyrics, and each of the stories fills in a hole in my overarching stories. Deception and Betrayal will have two historical pieces, a back story piece, and two stories that provide world details.

What motivated you to become an indie author?

When I first started out, I wanted the traditional package. However, as I've continued writing, I've realized that I love having complete control over my work. I love designing covers and I even like typesetting my hard copies. It's taken time to build my own team, lovely people who help with the editing and beta reading, and being an indie author makes me happy.

How has Smashwords contributed to your success?

Smashwords has had the biggest impact on my success as an indie author. The ability to distribute to everyone from one place, the guidance available, the wonderful people to collaborate with... I can quite honestly say that if I hadn't joined Smashwords, I wouldn't be reaching nearly as many readers as I am now.

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

I love the surprises. I also like to get the voices in my head down on paper, and my characters are truly living beings in my world. There are times when I set down to write something, but what ends up on paper is not what I'd intended. It's so much fun!

What do your fans mean to you?

My fans are the driving force behind my writing. As an indie, my timelines and deadlines are my own to determine, and my fans keep me on task. I will admit that I like to read reviews too - they make me happy and they give me guidance. I know that I won't make everyone happy, but I do try...within reason.

What are you working on next?

Once I'm finished with my anthology and putting out the King's Assassin Collection (the first trilogy collected together), I will be working on The Pursuit of Fortune, the third of the Pursuing Victory series.

Who are your favorite authors?

I have a wide range of authors I follow religiously, from a wide range of genres. I really like Mercedes Lackey, J.R. Ward, Kelley Armstrong and Tanya Huff.

What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

I'm always curious about what the new day will bring. What gets me out of bed is curiosity, plain and simple.

When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?

I love my crafts. I knit, sew, cross-stitch, etc. I also read...a lot!

Published 2014-10-31.

Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author, publisher or reader.

Books by This Author

All Henry has ever known is the fact that it is his destiny to save his kingdom. A child of royal birth, with magical powers at his disposal, Henry is the prophesied saviour of Mythesti. But can he survive his training, or will the pressure to be perfect be his undoing?

Eaglecrest has fallen, and the royal family is missing.
Fleeing before Rhys' attack on the capital, King Eryk and Queen Aislynn are now in hiding. Separated from their children, and plotting to retake their kingdom, the exiled royals are forced to search for allies in unlikely places. Can they gain the support they need to bring Rhys to his knees?

Bacovia is surrounded by enemies, and the noose is closing.
Rhys has gathered his forces, and Larosia has fallen. Eryk and Aislynn have only one allied kingdom to call upon for aid, but Evendell is besieged as well. The pact that binds the kingdoms together is called into play, and Eryk is forced to divide his army, sacrificing part of his border. Can Bacovia survive?

If something is too easy to get, it's not worth having...
Getting your heart's desire can mean risking everything, but for many, the reward is worth it. What each person wants most in the world varies, as does the price they're willing to pay. What would you pay to ensure your people thrive? To finally be seen as your own person? To have all of the riches you feel you deserve?

Deadly and magically gifted, Rhys is everything an assassin can be, and everything a bodyguard should be. But when fate chooses another and his destiny is denied him, Rhys struggles to redefine his identity. When life takes an unexpected turn, what becomes of the man without options?

Many things are not what they seem.
In the land of Obyra, kingdoms fight for power and supremacy. Friend turns on friend, and lovers are not to be trusted.
In this collection of stories, delve into deep, dark secrets that we hold dear. What makes one betray his kingdom when another gives his life to save it? When is it okay to hide the truth? Is it ever truly safe to follow your dreams?

The King's Assassin Trilogy is gathered together for the first time.
Travel to the land of Obyra, where magic abounds and assassins play important roles in the power struggles of monarchs.
Realms war with realms for power, money and influence. Secrets and rumors are often worth more than gold and gems, and who comes out on top is about more than military might.

On the brink of adulthood, Avalon is thrust into the cut throat world of thieves and assassins. With more than just herself to care for, she's forced to make hard choices that have far reaching consequences. But when you're fighting to avenge your family, nobody really expects the path to be easy. Avalon certainly doesn't, and she's prepared to do whatever it takes.

All is not well in the kingdom of Bacovia.
Despite all that they have been through to get to this point, the reign of King Eryk and Queen Aislynn is not a peaceful one. Rumors of infidelity and betrayal abound, whispers intended to drive them apart from their allies...and from each other.

Betrayed by the man supposed to love and care for him, Callum watches his dreams disappear before his eyes. Only a twist of fate saves him from a life of beatings and misery, and Callum knows how lucky he is. Treated like a cherished protégé and raised to be more than he'd ever thought possible, Callum is grateful for everything his master has given him. How far will Callum go to repay him?

In the thrilling conclusion of the King’s Assassin Trilogy, King Eryk of Bacovia is finally set to wed the assassin he loves, Princess Aislynn of Evendell. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy about his pending marriage and they will do anything to ensure that Aislynn doesn’t walk down that aisle.

In the second book of The King's Assassin Series, you're swept back to the kingdom of Bacovia. The country is at war and King Eryk's first months as king have not been easy. The council is pressing him to choose a bride but Aislynn, the woman he loves, continues to avoid his proposal. Meanwhile Vivien, the queen of Madelia has plans for both kingdoms. Is there a future for the war torn kingdom?

The highly trained assassins of Evendell have a single, unyielding mission: defend the monarch of Bacovia, at any cost. Aislynn has been assigned to protect the heir apparent, Eryk. Yet Eryk’s independent streak offers stiff resistance to what anyone else has planned for him, especitally an untested and unfamiliar sentinel.